Describing what happened, he said: “It happened around 8.30pm. I was speaking to her. She wasn’t well at all.

“We were just trying to keep her at peace until the ambulance came.

“It was the window on the right of the house. It must have been desperate. Four boys coming into your house - but I haven’t heard the ins and outs of how it all happened. I am not sure who found her but there were a few people there. Her sister and nephew were there too.

“You would wonder how they knew she was on her own. How they got that information. I just can’t imagine that happening. I hope she pulls through.

“It’s starting to hit people now. We are all praying for her. I hope they catch them.”

Another local described the pensioner as “a good Christian lady”.

Mid Ulster Councillor Frances Burton said the burglary has left Mrs Davidson’s elderly neighbours very frightened and in shock at what happened her.

He said: “This has affected so many people in the area. I have called with a few elderly neighbours and even when a straightforward burglary happens it puts elderly people and indeed any of our community up in arms with the fear of it. Especially with the dark nights.”

Speaking fondly of Mrs Davidson, the DUP councillor added: “She would have such an interest in her home and it is so well maintained.

“She’s highly respected in the community and she’s really lovely.

“I know that the church would be involved with her. She’s a lovely Christian lady.

He added: “We are investigating the circumstances of the burglary and believe that the lady may have fallen from an upstairs bedroom window while trying to escape while her house was ransacked.

“We take the issue of crime against older people extremely seriously and remain committed to putting those responsible before the courts. We work to prevent such crimes, to catch those responsible for incidents which do occur and to help older people keep themselves and their home safe.

“We understand the effect that burglary can have on its victims and want to reassure the community that we are undertaking thorough and robust investigations.

“I am appealing for anyone who has any information about this incident to contact detectives in Dungannon.

“I am particularly keen to speak with anyone who may have seen a black coloured car in the Sydney Street or Moore Street area yesterday evening or last night I would also like to hear from anyone who noticed anything suspicious in Aughnacloy, Ballygawley and Seskinore yesterday.

“We have set up an incident room in Dungannon to deal with any information. Please call 101 ex 53135 quoting reference 1218 of 23/01/18.”

He added that witnesses could also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.